Michigan Ozempic Lawsuit Lawyers

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is an injectable medication that was approved by the FDA in 2017 to treat type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient in Ozempic is called semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking a hormone that signals to the brain that a person feels full, decreasing appetite, and by slowing down the emptying of the stomach, causing people to eat less. In 2021, another semaglutide drug under the brand name Wegovy was approved by the FDA to treat obesity. Ozempic and Wegovy work by the same mechanism.

Many doctors commonly prescribe medications for “off-label” uses, or purposes other than what the FDA has explicitly approved them for. As these two drugs have gained media attention, some doctors have started prescribing Ozempic off-label because the demand for Wegovy for weight loss was so high. Many public figures have praised Ozempic and Wegovy and credited these medications with their weight loss. Demand for both medications has grown in populations seeking to shed weight and improve their physique. 

Are Ozempic And Wegovy The Same Thing?

Ozempic and Wegovy are very similar medications. They are made by the same company and contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. The difference between the two is that Wegovy contains a higher dosage of semaglutide. These medications also have different intended uses. Ozempic is only approved by the FDA for treating Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is only approved for weight loss in obese individuals. 

Who Manufactures Ozempic?

Ozempic and Wegovy are both made by the drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk is a Danish pharmaceutical company which has been around since 1923. Their main focus has historically been diabetes medications. Novo Nordisk has faced controversies and lawsuits in the past for their diabetes medication Victoza, and they are currently facing legal action for both Ozempic and Wegovy. 

Ozempic Side Effects And Adverse Reactions

Taking medications almost always comes with some risks, usually in the form of mild side effects. However, side effects can sometimes be extreme and cause serious discomfort or other medical problems. The main side effects of Ozempic are related to the gastrointestinal or digestive system. Three of these which have been commonly reported are gastroparesis, ileus, and bowel obstruction. 

Gastroparesis

When the stomach is working properly, spontaneous muscle contractions in the stomach cause movement of materials in the stomach, which leads the stomach to empty. Gastroparesis occurs when these muscle movements slow or stop, even though there is no physical blockage. Gastroparesis can be the result of nerve damage to the stomach. Symptoms associated with gastroparesis include stomach pain, nausea, indigestion, loss of appetite, and vomiting. 

Ileus

After passing through the stomach, food travels through the intestines or bowels. Just like the stomach, muscle contractions in the intestines move digestive materials along through the system. Ileus occurs when the muscle contractions in the intestines slow or stop. Ileus is usually reversible, but it may be uncomfortable and require medical intervention. Symptoms include abdominal pain or cramps, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty tolerating food. 

Bowel Obstruction

As the name suggests, a bowel obstruction occurs when the bowels become completely blocked, preventing the passage of digestive materials and gas. Symptoms of bowel obstruction include abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Bowel obstructions can be very serious, and they may require surgery. 

Gallbladder Diseases

Gallbladder issues related to Ozempic can include inflammation and gallstones. Gallstones are hardened deposits of fluid within the gallbladder. They can cause severe abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. Gallstones that cause symptoms often require gallbladder removal. 

Other Side Effects

Ozempic has been seen to raise the risk for other serious medical issues, including biliary diseases, and there is a suspected link between Ozempic use and pancreatic cancer. A recent study published on JAMA has also discovered that patients taking semaglutide may also be at a higher risk of developing an eye condition that causes blindness (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy). These and other side effects can lead to hospitalization and in some cases, the effects are long-lasting. Other side effects of Ozempic include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Acute kidney injury
• Liver or kidney failure
• Pancreatitis
• Hypoglycemia
• Vision problems
• Thyroid cancer
• Suicidal thoughts

The risk of serious side effects is increased with higher doses or prolonged use of Ozempic. Side effects may lead individuals to discontinue using Ozempic, but they do not always go away after stopping Ozempic. Some people experience prolonged issues after the medication is discontinued, and some side effects can lead to other medical complications. As Ozempic spends more time on the market, new side effects are emerging and studies are finding links to other health risks. 

Why Are People Suing After Taking Ozempic?

The first lawsuit was filed against Novo Nordisk for severe side effects from taking Ozempic in August 2023. This lawsuit alleged that Ozempic caused severe gastrointestinal issues and that the manufacturer failed to adequately warn patients taking the medication of the risks. Lawsuits have now been filed due to a number of different side effects, medical complications, and diagnosis of new conditions after taking Ozempic. Some of these include:

• Gastroparesis
• Ileus
• Bile duct cancer
• Gallbladder diseases
• Gallbladder cancer
• Vision problems

Because so many people have filed lawsuits against Novo Nordisk for adverse effects from taking Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, these lawsuits have been combined into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). The main argument in the MDL is that drug manufacturers have failed to warn users about potentially serious complications. The box for Ozempic included a warning label for delayed gastric emptying, but it did not mention any other potential gastrointestinal issues. The medications now included in this MDL are Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus (also manufactured by Novo Nordisk), Mounjaro, and Trulicity (both of which are manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company). 

Eligibility Requirements To File An Ozempic Lawsuit

If you or a loved one have taken Ozempic or another GLP-1 receptor agonist medication and then developed a severe adverse reaction, you can file a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. In order to be eligible to file a lawsuit for an adverse reaction to Ozempic, you must have the following:

• Proof that you received Ozempic treatments
• A medical diagnosis for a condition that may have been caused by Ozempic, such as  gastrointestinal diseases, gallbladder disease, or other complication, which occurred within 60 days of taking Ozempic
• Records that you were hospitalized, visited the emergency department or had an office visit related to the condition

An attorney can help you determine if you meet the requirements to file an Ozempic lawsuit and provide guidance on your rights. 

How To File An Ozempic Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit can be a complex and confusing process. If you or a loved one has taken Ozempic or another GLP-1 receptor agonist medication and have suffered severe complications, talk with an attorney who can take the lead in your case and advise you throughout the process. 

1. Schedule a consultation with an attorney. Start by discussing the details of your case with a defective drug attorney who can help you understand your legal rights. 
2. Determine if you’re eligible to file a lawsuit. Your attorney will go through the specifics of your case with you and help you determine whether you’re eligible to file a lawsuit for complications associated with a medication. They’ll also discuss whether you have any factors in your case that could disqualify you from filing, such as a preexisting condition or other confounding factors. 
3. Identify the manufacturer of the medication. This is typically who you will be filing your lawsuit against in a pharmaceutical case. 
4. Gather evidence. Evidence will include details and documents from your medical record, including a prescription for the medication, hospital or doctor’s office bills, and expert opinions. 
5. File your lawsuit. Your attorney will help ensure this is done within the timeframe required based on the statute of limitations for your state. 
6. Negotiate with the defendant. A LegalGenius attorney will fight to defend your rights and not settle for anything less than you deserve. 
7. Go to court. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case will go to trial. 

It’s important to act quickly when taking legal action to allow plenty of time for collecting evidence and filing. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible if you think you may have a legal case after taking Ozempic. 

Damages Available In Ozempic Lawsuits

Michigan residents can be awarded economic and non-economic damages in injury cases. This means things you could be compensated for include:

• Hospital or doctor bills for past and future treatment
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

When an attorney reviews your case, they can help determine what damages you may be able to recover in your specific case. During your free consultation, a LegalGenius attorney can give you an estimate of the value of your case. 

How A Pharmaceutical Lawyer Can Help

The legal system can be difficult to navigate, especially when you’re up against a large entity with great legal representation. It’s important that you find an experienced attorney to represent you and fight for your rights. Having a good lawyer could mean the difference between fair compensation and walking away empty-handed. 

At LegalGenius, our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience fighting for Michigan residents and their rights. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for injury victims and we will never settle for less than you deserve. Our team cares about you not just as a case number, but as an individual. We’ll take the lead in your case and keep you updated so that you can worry less about getting a fair settlement and focus more on your recovery.

If you’ve taken Ozempic or another GLP-1 receptor agonist medication and had severe medical complications as a result, our attorneys can help you determine what your rights are and whether you’re eligible to file a lawsuit against the drug manufacturers. We’ll explain your legal options and discuss what compensation you could be entitled to. Schedule a free consultation with a LegalGenius attorney by pressing the live chat button, calling (800) 209-4000, or by filling out an online contact form.